Transformation Podcast Wrap Up

Hello Resistance! We are 21 days into the Bannon Administration and there has been progress even though it might be slight. There is no time to let up however. So let’s celebrate some successes but also look at areas where we need to pay attention.

There are several notable victories as Vox Media notes here via @blowticious and they are important. The 9th Circuit dealt a small blow to the Muslim Ban in a victory for the states of Washington and Minnesota but no court to date has addressed the merits of the ban. Last, but certainly not least, we are seeing engagement from our citizenry on a widespread and thus far sustained level.

The level of involvement is important but so also is maintaining that level of commitment. Town hall meetings are important, phone calls are important but so also is staying focused and committed. There will be misdirection, progress and setback. Vigilance and longevity will be key to lasting change.

The list of things to watch is long but of great concern right now is what @ICEgov might be doing. Reports continue to circulate that agents are going into communities looking for immigrants. While widespread operations have not yet been seen, but it certainly bears some watching.

Finally, Congress is being asked to look into the numerous conflicts of interest surrounding the White House. President Donald Trump vowed to divest himself of his assets prior to taking the oath of office. He has not. Representative Jerrold Nadler has filed a resolution of inquiry seeking information so Congress can take a look at the issue. For a good primer on possible White House conflicts, see this piece by Jeremy Venook at The Atlantic.

All politicians bear watching and now more so than ever. It is incumbent on citizens in a representative democracy to actively engage in the process. Oversight is important and so is participation on a fundamental level. We are seeing more average citizens declaring they will run for office. That, perhaps, might be the lasting legacy of #TheResistance.